Council preparing for heavy rainfall

Bay of Plenty Regional Council staff are keeping a close watch on developing weather conditions with a low weather system expected to bring periods of heavy rain to the region overnight.

The Metservice has forecast rain to become widespread this morning, then heavier this afternoon and continue into Thursday. In the 24 hours from 9am Wednesday until 9am Thursday, 100 to 130mm of rain is expected about the Bay of Plenty ranges.

During the same period, about 40 to 70mm is possible nearer the coast. The heaviest rain is likely to arrive tonight or early Thursday morning when intensities may reach 20mm to 25mm per hour.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council Flood Duty Manager Graeme O'Rourke said there were pre-emptive warnings on all major river schemes.

"A number of precautionary measures have been taken with pumps and drainage systems in preparation for heavy rainfall and staff will be on standby throughout the night to respond if required," said Mr O'Rourke.

"Because of the already saturated catchments, river levels may rise quickly so farmers should move to stock to higher ground now if they haven't already," said Mr O'Rourke.

The public should be aware that the weather system may bring periods of heavy rain during the next 24 hours. Caution should be taken while driving as slips and surface flooding may occur.

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